Beer and politics II: firebrand Hanson to launch a craft beer

When the Australian anti-immigrant hothead politician Pauline Hanson announced in early March 2017 that she wants to have her own craft beer, the ensuing media outcry was deafening.

It was reported that Senator Hanson developed the idea after realising how much she loves to have a drink and a chat with her constituents. It is believed the beer line will be a way for the outspoken senator to connect to everyday Australians. Pundits joke that her first beer can only be a “pale ale”, referring to her firm stand against immigration.

Since co-founding One Nation, a right-wing political party with a populist and racist platform in 1997, Ms Hanson has courted controversy.

Protest against her plan was not long in coming. Melbourne craft brewer East 9th Brewing Unlimited said they have a cider ready for drinkers in response to Ms Hanson. Its cider brand Fog City includes a range called “The People Vs”, which was launched earlier this year.

Each case of cider contains a random selection of bottles bearing politically charged labels like: “Legalise the Green: Hempire Strikes Back”; “Still Hate Tony Abbott” and “Shut Up Govt Of Course It’s a Yes to Gay Marriage”.

East 9th brewers’ new cider label is called “I’d Swap Pauline for a refugee”, in protest against the One Nation leader’s strident stance towards refugees.

Looks like the political debate has been taken to bars and pubs across Australia.